5 good reasons to use gravel in your landscape

Good drainage

Gravel provides good, natural drainage along walkways and among plants. If standing water is a problem, it can be used to form a path and help eliminate surface puddles. It also can help anchor soil along a slope. Place egg rocks or river rocks along a slope to keep soil in place. For more severe drainage problems, a rock-filled trench, or French drain, can be built to divert water to another location.

Lower maintenance

If you are looking for ways to better manage your time, think about what else you could be doing if you didn’t have to mow or water your lawn. Eliminate your lawn by replacing the grass with gravel. This alternate surface material can also transform a hard-to-grow area into a more appealing and usable space.

Long lasting

Unlike mulch where you have to replace it frequently, gravel will last several seasons. It will stay attractive for a long time. You might have to periodically weed and blow away fallen leaves, but then all you will have to do is touch it up.

Easy to use

Gravel comes in many different sizes, shapes and colors that blend naturally in any landscape. Most of it is medium to lightweight so it can be worked with by hand. It’s easy to spread among plants and shrubs. You can easily shape it into a creative design on a surface, or form a patio or walkway. While some gravel can be raked to keep tidy, your crushed varieties have irregular edges that press it into the ground to help it remain in place.

Plant-friendly

Gravel is a natural landscaping material that has no added chemicals or other harmful substances. This makes it great to use in place of mulch and around plants. It can be difficult to weed if weeds get out of hand, so remember to put down landscaping fabric first, and then spread the gravel. And if you want an edge, line your beds with slightly larger aggregates such as river rock for visual interest.

Textural appeal

There is the smoothness of pea gravel, egg rocks, and beach pebbles or the broken, asymmetrical look of crushed stone. Depending on the type you use, you can add different textures to dress up your garden beds or create an enchanting path. Shape small pebbles of various colors in a circular pattern to create a design. And if you are laying down a stone patio, fill in the space between larger stone pavers with pea gravel or egg rocks for a decorative look.

Fieldstone Center has a large variety of aggregate stone, including gravel, to use in your next landscape design. You can view the types of aggregates we have at https://www.fieldstonecenter.com/product-category/aggregates/. And feel free to contact us for more information at (770) 385-7708.

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How do you determine what type of landscaping stone to select with so many different types available? Each type has its differences. There are many factors to consider such as size, shape, weight, color, etc. Understanding the differences can help you decide which landscaping stone to use in your design. The two most common types are aggregates and flagstone.

Aggregates

If you love gravel and other small rocks in your garden, aggregates are a good place to start looking. This group of landscaping stone includes rounded aggregates, sand, crushed granite and boulders. They are great for solving drainage issues and adding texture to a garden. They are also generally inexpensive and easy to install. The rounded aggregates can range in sizes from pea gravel to beach pebbles and to river rocks. And if you want to add some size, opt for larger boulders.

Pea Gravel

These small, rounded rocks are about the size of a pea with 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch being common sizes. Their color can range from white to tan and to brown. Lay down pea gravel for pathways, in place of mulch for garden beds and in the crevices between flagstone for your walkway or patio.

Beach Pebbles

Another small, rounded rock that is slightly larger than pea gravel, beach pebbles are usually more uniform in color for a sophisticated option in a decorative garden. Line them along garden beds or patios. They are ideal for contemporary or Zen-like gardens.

Crushed Granite

Also good for covering and filling in spaces, crushed granite is small but not as smooth as pea gravel. Use it along pathways or in place of mulch for garden beds. It works well if you want a more refined and contemporary.

River Rocks

River rocks are larger aggregates, typically 1 inch on up in size. Use them for edging or pile them to create a structure such a retaining wall, fountain or dry creek bed. Depending on the look you want to achieve, you can use similar or different sized river rocks for your structure.

Boulders

Large rocks that are found in fields or quarried, boulders come in any number of sizes. Use smaller boulders as an accent or border to a garden bed or water feature. Place large boulders near a property edge for a visual division or use a few for a statement piece to add natural variety to your garden.

Flagstone

A familiar landscaping stone, flagstone is widely used in a variety of landscaping projects. It is versatile for decorative and functional purposes. It is cut flat and available in a number of diameters to suit your intended use. Frequently, it is used for stepping stones, walkways and patios. It is available in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes depending on the rock. Flagstone encompasses a wide range of rocks that include limestone and sandstone.

Limestone

Known for its earthy appearance, limestone gives softness to an area where you want to add subtleness in your design. It is a sedimentary rock that includes shells and corals, giving it a unique and rustic appearance. The color range is limited but the stone can be sanded smooth to provide a very soothing look. Limestone works well for patios and walkways.

Sandstone

Sandstone is noted for its loose grains and rough texture. It has an amazing range of colors, including multicolored stone. Bluestone is a specific type that is well known for outdoor hardscaping. Use if for patios or add bluestone steppers for an elegant entrance.

When you want to choose the stone that is perfect for your landscape, contact Fieldstone Center. We have a wide selection of aggregates, flagstone and other stone in a variety of styles, patterns, colors, and sizes available. Contact us at 770.385.7708 for more information.

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